Quick Start

Get productive with Cortex in 5 minutes.

1. Install

pipx install claude-cortex
cortex install link

cortex install link links agents, skills, rules, hooks, and generated command aliases into ~/.claude/.

2. Start Claude Code

claude

Cortex agents, skills, and rules are now loaded automatically.

3. Use Slash Commands

Slash commands are derived from installed skills. A few common examples:

/ctx:agent-loops                 # Implementation workflow with review gates
/ctx:systematic-debugging        # Structured debugging workflow
/ctx:doc-maintenance             # Documentation audit and refresh workflow
/collaboration:brainstorming     # Collaborative ideation workflow

If you want to understand a slash command, inspect the skill that backs it.

4. Try the TUI

cortex tui

Key views in the TUI:

Key	View
`0`	AI Assistant
`1`	Overview
`2`	Agents
`4`	Skills
`M`	MCP Servers
`A`	Asset Manager
`W`	Worktrees

5. Try Recommendations

# Agent recommendations
cortex ai recommend

# Auto-activate high-confidence agents
cortex ai auto-activate

# Skill recommendations
cortex skills recommend

6. Inspect The CLI Surface

cortex --help
cortex skills --help
cortex ai --help

Next Steps

Configuration – understand roots, scope, and watch defaults
CLI Guide – learn the verified command groups
TUI Guide – master the terminal UI
Commands – see how slash commands are generated from skills